Topic 18
DEPEND : RELY
Both these verbs are used with the preposition upon (or on).
Both verbs are used meaning ‘put trust in’, so they are, in some
contexts, interchangeable.
* Can I rely (or depend) upon
that time-table or is it out of date?
* You can always depend (or rely)
upon John to be there when he is needed.
* You can depend (or rely)
on him for help.
* I am depending (or relying)
upon you to help me.
In the group of examples below, the verb rely cannot
be substituted for depend.
* Mr. Green is too old to work now; he depends
upon his son.
* England’s survival as a nation has often depended
upon her navy.
* Children depend on their parents for
food and clothing.
* Everything depends on whether you
pass the examination.
* ‘Are you coming to the meeting?’ ‘That depends’
(or ‘It all depends’), i.e. it depends upon circumstances.